Before You Build in Burbank, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Pool barriers must be minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24, Chapter 31. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-closing doors) mandated under the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.

CA Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Burbank allows fence exception permits for disputes. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code 841.4.

Retaining walls under 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Front yard setback allows max 4 ft combined fence/retaining wall height. Only two retaining walls per front yard, min 8 ft apart (6 ft with Director approval). All downslope walls must be screened with vegetation.

In R-1 zones, front yard fences must use open design (≥50% open) for any portion over 2 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be 6 feet. Street-facing side yard up to 6 feet (up to 8 feet behind rear of dwelling). No razor, barbed, or electric wire permitted. BMC Title 10, Article 6.

Masonry/concrete walls up to 6 ft and other fences up to 7 ft are exempt from building permits. A fence exception permit is required for any fence exceeding standard height limits or other development standards. Applications go through Community Development.

Hot tubs follow the same permitting and safety requirements as pools under CA Building Code. Prefabricated hot tubs may qualify for permit exemption if meeting size thresholds. Hot tubs are excluded from lot coverage when not enclosed in roofed structures.

Pool fencing must be at minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature mandatory under CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929).

All residential pools must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act and Virginia Graeme Baker Act. At least two drowning prevention features required for new/remodeled pools. Anti-entrapment drain covers mandatory.

Building permits are required for in-ground pool construction in Burbank. Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons (entirely above ground) are exempt. Pool size and shape are not restricted beyond setback compliance. Community Development handles permits.

Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons do not require a building permit in Burbank. Safety barriers still required. Pools are excluded from lot coverage calculations if not enclosed in roofed structures.

Burbank allows conversion of existing garages and accessory structures to ADUs or JADUs under BMC §10-1-620.3, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement parking is required when an existing garage is converted to an ADU, and the existing structure's setbacks are grandfathered for the conversion footprint.

Burbank regulates ADUs and JADUs under Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) Title 10, Article 6, Division 3 (§§10-1-620.3 through 10-1-620.7), as updated by Ordinance 23-4,002 effective December 8, 2023 to align with California Government Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft with an 800 sq ft floor, and JADUs at 500 sq ft.

Carports are regulated as accessory structures under BMC Title 10 zoning. Building permits required. Carports may encroach into side/rear setbacks to minimum 3 ft only when in the rear one-third of the lot.

Accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) in Burbank require building permits for those over 120 sq ft. Must meet setback requirements per BMC Title 10 zoning. In Mountain Fire Zones, fire-resistant materials are required.

Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs and are not permitted as permanent dwellings. Burbank allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft detached.

Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Verdugo Mountains may be in Very High FHSZ with additional restrictions.

Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (November–February). Open burning of household trash is prohibited. Gas fire pits are generally permitted.

Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.

Burbank Water and Power enforces water conservation measures including watering day/time restrictions. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. The city participates in regional water conservation programs and enforces drought restrictions when declared.

Significant tree removal may require a city permit under Burbank zoning. Protected trees (oaks and others) have special protections. Contact Community Development at (818) 238-5250 before removing large or heritage trees.